The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has warned that any delay in embracing digital trade reforms could see Nigeria and Africa left behind in the global economy.
Kalu was speaking on the sidelines of the just concluded World Trade Organization–Inter-Parliamentary Union, WTO-IPU, Steering Committee session at the WTO Public Forum 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.
He stated that parliament must lead the way in lawmaking, advocacy, and oversight to drive digital transformation.
DAILY POST reports that the WTO Public Forum is the organization’s largest annual outreach platform, where governments, lawmakers, business leaders, civil society, and academics come together to discuss global trade issues.
The Deputy Speaker currently represents Nigeria on the WTO–IPU Steering Committee, which provides parliamentary input into global trade debates and ensures lawmakers contribute directly to shaping international trade policy.
“Just as I emphasized in my earlier speech, the theme of our conversation—focused on the role of parliament in digital trade—is not a mere technical footnote. It is a reality, a defining fact of our time. The world has already moved in this direction, and any delay risks leaving us behind while others surge ahead.
“Trade is no longer what it used to be. Relying solely on traditional trading systems will not deliver the economic value we seek. Globally, the marketplace has gone digital, and the encouraging news is that Nigeria has already taken a few important steps forward through laws we have passed, as well as those currently before parliament. These cover critical areas such as privacy protection, governance, and the private sector space.
“The real issue, however, is not just embracing the digital space—it is about communicating its value to those who must use it. Africa remains an evolving continent, with much of our trading practices still rooted in traditional systems.
“To the average cocoa or palm oil seller, all that matters is receiving payment into a bank account. Many have not yet realized that digital trade can simplify transactions, expand markets, and increase value,” he said.
